A word from the president -- 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I want you to know of a new perspective that BBT is taking with regard to our relationship with you.

Annual Conference has long asked us to provide financially based employee benefits and asset management services. But it also has asked us to provide education and resources to help those within the Church of the Brethren be knowledgeable stewards of their financial resources.

As I was preparing to present an insight session at a district conference last fall, a group of pastors entered the room and approached me, wanting to talk. The topic was the Affordable Care Act and the uncertainty of the changes and the lack of clarity on what it all means to pastors, church staff members, congregations, districts, and camp staffs -- all who fit under the church plan designation.

"What are the provisions of the law?" "What do they mean?" "How will the ACA impact our budgets?" "What is or isn't taxable?" "What documentation should we, or shouldn't we, have?"

And then the topic turned to me and BBT -- "You have to help us. You know this better than we do." It was clear I was being asked to relay information we receive in order to help pastors and church employees navigate through the myriad changes that are coming as a result of the ACA."

Our resolve

I returned to the BBT offices with the resolve that we should do what we can to help you and others within the denomination keep on top of the legislation that impacts all who fall under the church plan designation. As members of the Church Benefits Association, and as the Church of the Brethren's member on the Church Alliance, a lobbying group of mainline denominations, we often are in the loop of current or proposed changes. It makes perfect sense that we should be as proactive as possible in distributing pertinent news throughout the denomination.

What we can ... and can't ... do

Our commitment is to try to make sure we relay information to you. We are not attorneys nor CPAs, and so while we can talk and counsel within the framework of the benefits we provide, we cannot give advice on topics such as the ACA. Our role is not to give answers, but rather to enable you to ask the right questions of your own legal or tax advisers.

Again, our role is not to answer legal and accounting questions. We are not certified to do so. But we can help you know which questions to ask of your own legal and accounting adviser.

To that end, we have established an online email alert that you should join to receive news and information directly from us regarding changes to the ACA or church plan rules and regulations. We will no longer send hard-copy alerts to congregations as they are costly and slow. If you want to receive these kinds of alerts in the future, sign up for them right now by writing to Jean Bednar, BBT's director of Communications, at jbednar@cobbt.org, or call at 847-622-3362.

We are and will remain committed to trying to relay news and information to you in a timely manner so that you are informed and not surprised by changes that could adversely impact you, colleagues, and perhaps your church, district, or camp.

In Christ,

Nevin Dulabaum

President